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Alumni Spotlight - Ashley Hanscom ('98)

                                                                                    

 

                  

 

 

    

 

Current City: Thousand Oaks, CA

Hometown: Santa Paula, CA

Graduation Year: 1998

Major:  Accounting                                                                                                                                                                                              

Occupation: VP, Finance and Assistant Controller at The Cheesecake Factory

Why did you choose to attend Pepperdine? I loved the size of the school, as it enabled the professors to invest in the students. In addition, it was one of the few schools that offered a program dedicated to Accounting vs. just an emphasis in it.

How did your time at Pepperdine prepare you for what you are doing today? Within my field you need to have the educational piece, but I also learned to build relationships, push myself to be better tomorrow than today and to always have a goal you are working towards.

Who influenced you most during your time at Pepperdine?
Educationally - it would have to be Dr. Yates as he taught me to chase my passion with enthusiasm and drive. Personally - Mark Davis as he showed me how to utilize my strengths to build a strong faith based community.

What is your best college memory?
I was lucky enough to meet my husband at Pepperdine.
What is the most important thing you learned while at Pepperdine?

Describe Pepperdine in three words.
Community, Foundational & Well-rounded

What is your greatest professional accomplishment as of now? If you don't have any just yet, then what major goals are you working toward?
How did your time at Pepperdine prepare you for what you are doing today?
Within my field you need to have the educational piece, but I also learned to build relationships, push myself to be better tomorrow than today and to always have a goal you are working towards.
   
   
Describe your career path.
I knew I wanted to do Corporate Accounting when I first stepped foot on the Pepperdine. I started at The Cheesecake Factory as a Staff Accountant and have grown tremendously as the company has grown. I have a team of 45+ that manage the Accounting and SEC reporting for a well respected and loved multi-concept restaurant company. I love what I do and the company I do it for.

 

When you give back to Pepperdine, which fund do you choose to support and why?
Scholarships and international programs - we want students to be able to fully embrace and be a part of the culture and programs Pepperdine has to offer.

What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their experience at Pepperdine?
The international programs are amazing. Although you may feel like your major won't allow you to be away for a semester, explore the summer programs.